Menasha Public Library (Elisha D. Smith)

Dreaming in code, Ada Byron Lovelace, computer pioneer, Emily Arnold McCully

eng

Includes bibliographical references (p. 154-157) and index

individual biography

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Dreaming in code

1042892168

Emily Arnold McCully

Ada Byron Lovelace, computer pioneer

"Even by 1800s standards, Ada Byron Lovelace had an unusual upbringing. Her strict mother worked hard at cultivating her own role as the long-suffering ex-wife of bad-boy poet Lord Byron while raising Ada in isolation. Tutored by the brightest minds, Ada developed a hunger for mental puzzles, mathematical conundrums, and scientific discovery that kept pace with the breathtaking advances of the industrial and social revolutions taking place in Europe. At seventeen, Ada met eccentric inventor Charles Babbage, a kindred spirit. Their ensuing collaborations resulted in ideas and concepts that presaged computer programming by almost two hundred years, and Ada Lovelace is now recognized as a pioneer and prophet of the information age. Award-winning author Emily Arnold McCully opens the window on a peculiar and singular intellect, shaped--and hampered--by history, social norms, and family dysfunction. The result is a portrait that is at once remarkable and fascinating, tragic and triumphant."--Publisher's website

1816-1824. Born into scandal -- Mother and child with governesses -- She has a father -- 1825-1832. Her imagination soars -- Guarded by furies -- An elopement -- 1833-1835. Meeting Babbage -- A role model -- Courtship and marriage -- 1836-1842. Motherhood -- Grasping for mathematics -- The new en-- A restless student -- 1842-1852. Masterwork -- At loose ends -- Restless spirit -- An awful death

adolescent

Ada Byron Lovelace, computer pioneer